Agenda - 06-30-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rt. • Puke 7tittiruersitg DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA 27/06 SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES TELEPHONE(WO 664-2421 OFFICE OF THE DUKE FOREST 1 Statement for the Joint Planning Public Hearing June 29, 1988 Slightly more than two years ago, Duke University commented on the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan, prior to its adoption. These comments focused on portions of the plan which could potentially affect the operation of the Duke Forest as a natural outdoor laboratory. A section of that statement may bear repeating at this time. Several important forest management criteria should be taken into consideration in the planning process. Teaching, research, and demonstration require both undisturbed areas of vegetation and areas that are actively managed to provide a diversity of stand types and conditions. Increasing development around the Forest, greater traffic flow on roads beside it, and recreational pressures including foot traffic, horseback riding, and the intrusion of motorcycles and four-wheel drive vehicles make our management job increasingly complex. Not only is it difficult to protect sensitive areas of vegetation and expensive scientific equipment, but there may also be adverse public reaction to management activities. These activities include timber harvesting, site preparation, and prescribed burning, each of which is an integral part of the Forest's operations. Duke University appreciates the consideration given by all governmental agencies for the sensitivity of the Duke Forest as an academic resource, and recognizes the difficult task of meeting the pressures for development and allowing for planned growth throughout the county. It is obvious that the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and the Orange County governments have each given careful consideration to the Duke Forest in this regard. Given the developmental pressures which exist today, and undoubtedly will increase in the future, The Rural Buffer designation seems to incorporate criteria which can reasonably protect teaching and research interests of the Duke Forest. The stability and permanence of any adopted buffer surrounding the Forest is of utmost importance. Changes in the current Rural Buffer boundaries, which would permit more dense development near the Forest, or extensions of water, sewer, and roads through it, would likely compromise its use as an outdoor laboratory.